What are my options if my employer refuses to pay me for my overtime hours worked in Ohio?
If your employer refuses to pay you for your overtime hours worked in Ohio, there are several options you can pursue.
Firstly, you should communicate with your employer regarding the issue and try to resolve it informally. You may be able to provide evidence of your overtime hours worked and come to an agreement on the payment owed.
If this approach does not work, the next step is to file a complaint with the Ohio Wage and Hour Bureau. The Bureau is responsible for investigating complaints of wage and hour violations, including unpaid overtime. You can file a complaint by phone, email, or in person at one of their offices. The Bureau will investigate the complaint and may take legal action against the employer if violations are found.
In addition to filing a complaint with the Bureau, you may also be able to file a lawsuit against your employer for unpaid overtime wages. Ohio law allows employees to file lawsuits in court to recover unpaid wages, and the employer may be required to pay attorney fees and other legal costs if they are found to be in violation of the law.
It is important to note that there are limitations and exceptions to the legal actions you may take for unpaid overtime. For example, employees who are exempt from overtime under federal and state laws, such as executives and professionals, are not entitled to receive overtime payments. Additionally, there are time limits to file a complaint or lawsuit, so it is important to act promptly.
If you are unsure about your legal options for unpaid overtime, it is recommended that you speak with an employment law attorney. An attorney can provide you with legal advice specific to your situation and assist you in pursuing legal action if necessary.